Explore, reflect, be curious, and keep learning: tips for early career optometrists

OT asked optometrists to share their advice for career planning for those just starting out and heard from one early career optometrist about their future goals.

Be curious

Anna Lewin, clinical lead optometrist and partner at Haine & Smith Opticians, part of Hakim Group, told OT: “The first few years after qualification are some of the most exciting and formative of our career as optometrists. This is a time when you can explore, experiment and discover where your interests and strengths truly lie.”

“Optometry is a wonderfully diverse profession, and by approaching your early years intentionally, you can build a career that is both fulfilling and flexible,” she added.

Lewin encouraged newly-qualified optometrists to experience optometry across a variety of settings, sharing: “Each environment sharpens different clinical and interpersonal skills, and exposing yourself to this variety early on builds confidence and clarity.”

Continuing education can also “dramatically expand your scope and versatility,” Lewin advised, suggesting newly-qualified optometrists consider which areas of practice they are interested in, then map out qualifications to support that direction.

Further qualifications could include independent prescribing, a College of Optometrists professional certificate, such as medical retina or glaucoma, or qualifications that might be needed for local enhanced services.

Lewin also encouraged newly-qualified optometrists to think beyond the test room.

“If you dream of one day owning your own practice or becoming a partner, it’s vital to recognise that clinical excellence is only one part of the journey. Business leadership requires insight into marketing, finance, HR, team development, and customer experience,” she said.

“You don’t need to master everything at once,” Lewin added, suggesting that optometrists start by “getting curious” and asking to shadow practice managers, getting involved in small non-clinical projects, and seeking out training in leadership or communication.

A mentor can be “transformative,” Lewin shared: “They can offer perspective, encouragement, and honest feedback, helping you avoid pitfalls and accelerate your growth.”

A mentor could be a senior colleague, a clinical supervisor, or someone met through professional networks.

Lewin reflected: “Optometry is evolving rapidly, and there has never been a more exciting time to explore the many paths available.”

Build a strong routine

Neil Retallic, head of optometry development at Specsavers, shared: “Qualifying is an incredible milestone, but the key is to keep the momentum going and continue to blossom as a professional.”

He advised: “Focus on building a strong, patient-centred routine to develop confidence and clinical consistency and make a habit of regularly seeking feedback to support your professional growth.”

For early career optometrists looking to take on further education, Retallic suggested Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre assessments are a “great foundation,” followed by professional certificates.

Retallic also recommended finding opportunities outside of the test room, such as supporting colleagues with their learning: “Whether by coaching team members or helping to supervise the next generation of optometrists.”

Getting involved with charity work could be a way to broaden experience and enhance job satisfaction, Retallic suggested.

“Keep an open dialogue with your manager and team, schedule regular appraisals, look for ways to improve clinical efficiency and work collaboratively to support your development,” he added.

Specsavers supports newly-qualified optometrists through its Newly Qualified Excel programme.

Retallic shared: “Keep learning, stay curious and aim high. Your career options are vast, so take time to identify what suits you best – whether that means combining clinical excellence with leadership, partnership, or educational roles. Find a mentor, connect with a fellow newly-qualified optometrist, learn and socialise at events and never hesitate to ask for help. We are here to support one another.”

Hear from an early career optometrist: The here-and-now, and the five-year plan

Emily Taylor

Emily Taylor is a specialist optometrist who works part-time at the Royal Gwent Hospital and at an independent practice, Monnow Eyecare.

She told OT: “My week is split between primary and secondary care, giving me a diverse and rewarding workload.”

Taylor shared: “The first two days are spent in primary care, carrying out emergency WECS appointments, contact lens fittings, and routine sight tests. The remaining three days are spent in secondary care within the paediatric ophthalmology clinic, where I manage and treat complex paediatric patients.”

Taylor also runs a complex cataract lens clinic for keratoconus, pellucid, paediatric, traumatic, and cosmetic lens patients, and has begun training in the medical retina clinic.

“I thoroughly enjoy the variety and challenge of my roles. Working across both settings allows me to follow patients through their journey, sometimes even referring them from primary to secondary care under my own supervision,” she shared.

Style for attribution is to use attribution when piece has more than one voice There is always something new to learn, which keeps me motivated and engaged

The challenges are ongoing, Taylor noted: “There is always something new to learn, which keeps me motivated and engaged.”

The five-year plan for Taylor involves gaining higher qualifications and leading her own medical retina patient clinic.

“I plan to complete the higher certificates in medical retina, glaucoma, and low vision, while also developing leadership skills to eventually progress into clinical management,” she said.

Embrace the squiggle

Erica Hopwood, professional advancement manager at Hakim Group had one key word for early career optometrists: “Explore.”

She added: “You don’t know what you don’t know – and wow, there is a huge world of optometry opportunities out there. Business ownership, supervising others, lecturing, governance, specialist services... what truly ignites your passion?”

While change can be scary, Hopwood recommended viewing change as something positive, keeping an open mind and being proactive.

Recommending that early career optometrists network with others, she said: “You never know when a single conversation may lead to your next calling.”

You never know when a single conversation may lead to your next calling

She also highlighted the importance of continuing to learn: “Lifelong learning is essential; you’ll always grow if you stay curious, and your degree is just the beginning. Be resourceful and confident in knowing where to find answers when you don’t have them immediately to hand.”

Hopwood also recommended engaging with professional bodies, attending CPD and workshops, and sharing consider higher qualifications, adding: “When the time feels right. There’s no rush and plenty of options.”

“Remember, careers are rarely a straight line. They often squiggle – and that’s okay,” Hopwood said.

Sharing her own career path, Hopwood said that she has worked as an optical assistant, dispensing optician, manager, operational support colleague, optometrist, and now as a professional advancement manager.

“That’s just the optics side. I have also studied in psychology and sociology simply because that’s what I enjoyed at the time, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” she said.

Hopwood added: “Enjoy the ride and your squiggle, keep returning to your ‘why’ – and it’s okay for the why to change too.”